Langston Hughes — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Langston Hughes.
1902
Born James Mercer Langston Hughes on February 1 in Joplin, Missouri
1921
Published his first poem, 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers,' in The Crisis magazine
1926
Published his first collection, 'The Weary Blues,' establishing himself as a major voice of the Harlem Renaissance
1930
Published 'Not Without Laughter,' his first novel, which won the Harmon Gold Medal
1937
Traveled to Spain to support the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War
1940
Published 'The Big Sea,' his first autobiography, recounting his early life and travels
1951
Created the character Simple (Jesse B. Semple) in newspaper columns, which became widely popular
1960
Continued prolific output of poetry, drama, and social commentary during the Civil Rights Movement
1967
Published 'The Best of Simple,' compiling his popular newspaper column featuring the character Simple
1967
Died on May 22 in New York City at age 65; recognized as one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century